Barcelona City Council has confirmed that at least 24,000 migrants residing in the city will benefit from Spain’s new extraordinary regularization scheme. Mayor Jaume Collboni announced the figures following a strategic meeting on Friday. This Barcelona migrant regularization represents a significant step for both human rights and the local economy.
Economic and social opportunities
Mayor Collboni described the initiative as a major step forward for the city. He emphasised both humanitarian and economic justifications. “It is a very great opportunity to dignify the living conditions of people who were in irregular situations,” Collboni stated. Therefore, this Barcelona migrant regularization addresses a critical social need.
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Beyond the social impact, the Council views the Royal Decree as a vital tool for addressing local labour shortages. Officials noted that the regularization would help “facilitate those job positions that are currently unfilled.” According to the Mayor, the business community has specifically requested swift implementation. Consequently, this workforce integration will support the formal economy.
Task force established for Barcelona migrant regularization
While social services have identified 24,000 immediate candidates, Collboni suggested the final number could be higher. To manage the anticipated volume of applications, the City Council and the Government Delegation have agreed to establish a dedicated working group.
This group is scheduled to activate on Monday. It is tasked with streamlining administrative procedures. The team currently awaits the official calendar and detailed technical instructions from the ministry.
Political support in Barcelona
The announcement coincides with a vote in the Barcelona City Council plenary session. The PSC (Socialists’ Party of Catalonia) tabled a motion supporting the central government’s measure. The text describes the regularization as a tool to “guarantee rights, reduce social and labour vulnerability, and reinforce a migration policy centered on human dignity.”
The motion passed with support from the Commons and ERC, while Junts abstained. The PP and Vox voted against the measure.
National context for regularization
The extraordinary regularization, agreed upon between Podemos and the central Government, is expected to benefit more than 500,000 people across Spain. Eligibility criteria include:
- Being accredited in the country before 31 December 2025.
- Having resided in Spain for at least five months at the time of application.
- Passing a criminal record review.
For further information on Spanish immigration policy, you can visit the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
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